Tony Jaa plays Ting in the 2003 Thai martial-arts film “Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior.” Ting is a Buddhist monk trainee from the rural village of Ban Nong Pradu who travels to Bangkok after the head of the village’s sacred Buddha statue is stolen. His mission brings him into conflict with criminals, underground fighters, and a trafficking network.
The film was Tony Jaa’s breakout leading role and introduced his physical style to a worldwide audience. Its action was built around Muay Thai and Muay Boran techniques, including strikes with fists, feet, shins, elbows, and knees. Veteran action filmmaker and choreographer Panna Rittikrai helped shape the combat sequences and also mentored Jaa.
The other options are notable martial-arts performers but do not play Ting: Scott Adkins is associated with the “Undisputed” films, Donnie Yen with roles such as Ip Man, and Iko Uwais with “The Raid.” “Ong-Bak” became especially famous for emphasizing practical stunts, acrobatics, and physical performances rather than wire work or computer-generated effects.